Shipping and Payment Information
INVOICE AND SHIPPING SCHEDULE
We bill and ship mineral auctions every two weeks, combining auction wins from multiple auctions to help regular customers save on shipping. You will receive auction win notifications automatically, with an invoice coming directly from Brandy, Brandy@mineralauctions.com. Our upcoming billing dates can be found in the top website menu.
Invoicing will include a link to our PayPal business account or online secure credit card payment. Please pay promptly to help us get orders out the door to you as quickly as possible; payment is expected within 1 week of invoicing. We do not do payment plans on auction purchases. Repeated delayed payment could result in suspension of your account.
PAYMENT METHODS:
We prefer credit card or PayPal but accept checks by arrangement.
CLICK HERE to go to your PayPal account or set up an account with PayPal - it's fast, easy and secure! If you prefer to pay by credit card, we can also provide a secure payment link.
Note: Your credit card information is not stored on our server in an online database to maintain the safety of your information.
FREE SHIPPING:
Beginning on all orders on or after June 15, 2023, we are pleased to now offer free shipping for orders meeting specific value thresholds:
- DOMESTIC SHIPMENTS WITHIN THE US: All orders valued at $2000 or more before any applicable taxes/shipping will now ship free.
- INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS: All orders valued at $5000 or more before any applicable taxes/shipping will now ship free. **Please note: The Arkenstone is not responsible for any customs fees or taxes charged by customs offices in international locations. These fees are the responsibility of the buyer**
All orders below these thresholds will continue to be billed at our discounted cost (for FedEx options), based on destination location, package weight/size, and value. Please see below for details on domestic and international shipment procedures for orders under these free shipping threshold amounts.
We are happy to combine multiple orders in order to meet these thresholds, however due to Texas law, we are only able to hold shipments up to 180 days. Please discuss any holds at the time of billing to coordinate.
DOMESTIC SHIPPING:
For Dallas/Fort Worth locals: We are happy to offer local pickup if you would prefer to pick up your auction wins in person. Please let us know if you would like to schedule a pickup.
Orders under $1000: Unless otherwise requested, orders under $1000 will be shipped via INSURED USPS PRIORITY MAIL with signature confirmation. Delivery usually takes 2-5 business days.
Orders over $1000: We will ship via FEDEX EXPRESS, unless otherwise requested. This method typically delivers in 2-3 days to the contiguous US.
Please note: For oversized specimens and packages, shipping may be significantly more expensive due to the weight and size of the package.
Special note on holding specimens to combine shipping: By Texas tax law, we are only able to hold items up to 180 days at maximum without charging sales tax and showing shipment, unless otherwise instructed in writing and due to unique circumstances.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING:
CUSTOMS/VAT NOTE: For all international orders, buyers are responsible for any customs fees and/or VAT assessed by their country of residence. We have no control over these fees/taxes.
NOTE ON USPS INTERNATIONAL: USPS cannot ship to some locations due to service suspensions. Please click here to see if your country is impacted.
NOTE ON FEDEX INTERNATIONAL: FedEx cannot ship to some locations due to service suspensions. Please click here to see if your country is impacted.
Orders under $300: Will be shipped via USPS FIRST CLASS INTERNATIONAL unless otherwise requested. Delivery can take more than a month in some cases with this method.
Please note: Small parcels are estimated at $25 including separate slow mail shipment of labels. We assume responsibility for loss or damage en route for courier-tracked shipments only, and cannot assume loss responsibility for International First Class unless those additional services are paid for.
Orders $301-$500: Will be shipped via USPS PRIORITY MAIL INTERNATIONAL unless otherwise requested. Delivery typically takes 6-10 business days and includes USPS tracking.
Orders $500+: Will be shipped via FEDEX or USPS PRIORITY MAIL EXPRESS INTERNATIONAL unless specifically requested otherwise.
Please note: We strongly recommend FEDEX for packages of this value due to their faster delivery times (typically 2-4 days), quick customs clearance, and courier agents on hand to ensure items are not damaged or stolen during inspection.
For customers in England or Singapore: We strongly suggest the use of FEDEX for all international shipments due to the high rate of package damage/theft with other methods.
Special note on holding specimens to combine shipping: By Texas tax law, we are only able to hold items up to 180 days at maximum without charging sales tax and showing shipment, unless otherwise instructed in writing and due to unique circumstances.
CUSTOM BASES
We are pleased to offer custom bases to our auctions customers for an additional fee. Click here for a current size/price list. If you would like to request a custom base for your items, please advise Brandy during the billing/shipping process.
AUCTION RETURN POLICY
Due to the nature of auctions, returns will be accepted only on items that were, for some reason, not described accurately (and here we bow to customer opinion on that matter). In that case, we will cover the return shipping cost, with apologies. Your bid is an online contract. Please do be sure you want the item before bidding on it.
If you're looking for a specific fine mineral that you don't see up for auction, check out our retail site at www.iRocks.com.
The Arkenstone has thousands of fine minerals available for sale and specializes in assisting customers curate private mineral collections.
CONTACT INFORMATION
The Arkenstone
PO Box 830460
Richardson, TX 75083
972-437-2492